Outdoor civil weddings and civil partnerships to be made permanent on 6 April 2022

In July 2021, temporary legislation allowed outdoor civil wedding and partnership ceremonies to take place. Previously, ceremonies had to take place indoors, or otherwise outdoors but within a permanent built structure, such as a gazebo. 

With the temporary legislation due to expire on 5 April 2022, the Government launched a consultation in December 2021 proposing to allow outdoor ceremonies on a permanent basis.

With an overwhelmingly positive response to the consultation’s proposals, the Government is now looking to bring the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 into force on 6 April 2022 and make these changes permanent.

The regulations will only apply to ‘approved premises’ and also be subject to certain restrictions such as that the outdoor ceremony area must be assessed to be seemly and dignified. Furthermore, other requirements for public access and signage will still apply.

The development is clearly welcome news for the wedding industry and approved premises with suitable outside areas.

If you need any more information about marriage licences please contact Patrick Robson to discuss.